Want to catch a pesky cricket that’s been around for days? Dampen a few washcloths and spread them out in your kitchen and bathroom sinks.

The inner or outer cord on the window covering can pose a strangulation risk when you children play with them and become inadvertently entangled.

It may look like a modern family room, but looks can deceive. This stunning room (above) is actually a master bedroom retreat, and that means a no-kids zone. Well, maybe by invitation only, but buyers of higher-end homes are choosing to have a sitting room space adjacent to the master bedroom to get away from the hustle and bustle of the work world.

Q: We had a new stainless steel flue put in our fireplace, along with a new spark-arrestor and cap on top. They cleaned the old fireplace from top to bottom. Now smoke is coming out of the hearth. What’s the problem?

Tension rods are usually more practical than pretty, but Umbra has changed that.

The company, known for making functional objects with flair, introduced drapery tension rods designed to look good and work well. The rods come in aged brass, pewter, black and white, and have decorative finials in contemporary and traditional designs. The rod and its spring mechanism are also better quality than run-of-the-mill tension rods, the company says.

Calling Lew French’s work masonry is like referring to Michaelangelo’s as stone-cutting. French is an artist whose medium is the stones he fits together with exacting care into buildings, walls, fireplaces and other structures — works that take on a character and soul all their own.

Q: Is there a good home remedy or commercial cleaner that will take the odor of cat urine out of Oriental rugs?

Lipstick stains aren’t so tough to get out anymore, especially when they occur on white cotton. In a spray bottle, mix three equal parts of laundry bleach, water, and milk. Spray it on the stain, and then scrub with a toothbrush. It’s great for strawberry stains, too. Don’t use this formula on anything but white cotton; colors and other fabrics can be damaged.

Q: Is there a material I can use to repair concrete that has pitted and flaked? My steps were poured just before a rain, which dripped on them. The concrete quickly flaked away, forming large and ugly spots on the treads and the edges. It’s been a couple of years, so certainly the steps must be ready for repair by now. I’d like to do something that looks good and doesn’t really look like a patch job.

You grew up with a fish bowl on a side table where you watched two goldfish named Buster and Minnie. For many people, that’s enough. These little guys may give you all the serenity you need.

Local Realtors gear up for Noel November

It’s all about giving.

The gifts come dressed as beautifully decorated theme trees, wreaths, mantle arrangements, decorations and a variety of Christmas collectibles donated by local businesses and individuals in anticipation of the evening auction. This is the eleventh annual Noel November, sponsored by the Fayette County Board of Realtors.

So far, the year 2005 has seen the fourth busiest hurricane season in recorded history. The devastation of Katrina and Rita has left nearly one million homeless and many more ingrained with a vivid image of the oft-vicious temperament of Mother Nature. With hurricane season still upon us until the end of November, and the devastation still fresh in our minds, it is important to remember there are measures that can be taken by both individuals and communities before the storm strikes to reduce vulnerability to hurricane hazards.

• Missie McRee is a new agent with the Griffin/Spalding County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

McRee, a Spalding County resident who completed her pre-licensing courses at the Georgia MLS School, is the daughter-in-law of Lori McRee, a salesperson with Bullard’s Griffin/Spalding office. She is an avid supporter of the armed forces, as her husband Mac is currently deployed with the U. S. Army in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Brayson Homes’ metro Atlanta area communities have scheduled a “Festival of Lights” from Saturday, Nov. 19, through Saturday, Dec. 31.

If good things come to those who wait, people looking for beautiful homes at value pricing are going to have a lot to cheer about. In South Fulton County, Mayfield Homes is building upscale communities at affordable prices.

The south entrance into Arbor Springs Plantation at Highways 29 and 154 recently opened, allowing access to Arbor Springs Parkway and the new South Arbor Shores phase of the community.

When he created The Parks of Olmsted, builder David Lindsey was inspired by the peaceful settings, graceful curving roads and picturesque vistas created by the venerable landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Two furnished model homes are open at The Reserve at Lakeside in Lawrenceville and 15 ranch and two-story homes are underway at this new Brayson Homes Gwinnett County neighborhood.

Ann Bell, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker American Land Mart in Conyers, is one of three agents in the Bullard organization holding the Coldwell Banker Previews Property Specialists designation.

Janeece Swainey, executive vice president and qualifying broker of The Home Source Realtors, is among a prestigious list of “Who's Who in Atlanta Real Estate.” The announcement was made recently by The Atlanta Business Chronicle.

As more and more consumers begin their search for real estate-related information on the internet, it is critical that real estate professionals are well educated in the use of technology to the benefit of the consumer and the agent and broker.

Patrick Malloy Communities, greater metro Atlanta’s most innovative and active homebuilder, reports a record third quarter for growth with a 23 percent increase in sales for the first three quarters of 2005 compared to record sales in 2004.

To sell your home fast and for top dollar, you will need to prepare your home for sale. I have a saying: “The way you live in a home and the way you sell a home are two different things.”

New home construction nationwide rebounded from the shock and devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita to maintain a vigorous pace in September, the U.S. Commerce Department reported recently.

Karen Allen of Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty attended the third annual Chapter Leadership Retreat in Scottsdale, Ariz., Sept. 16-17, hosted by the Council of Residential Specialists.

Tenants and toilets! That’s all part of being a landlord, right?

Most people think being a landlord is just one big headache. According to Gary Marshall, broker at Assist 2 Sell Buyer and Seller Realty Center, it doesn’t have to be that way if you run it like a business and have systems in place.

Windsong Properties has opened a new model home at The Cottages, its innovative active adult neighborhood in the 1,500-acre golf and tennis resort community of Heron Bay in Henry and Spalding Counties.

Patrick Malloy Communities has announced the opening of The Oaks at Mill Pond in Carrollton. The Oaks is an enclave of 64 spacious townhomes from Patrick Malloy Communities’ popular Cambridge and Williamsburg collections. The townhomes include two- and three-bedroom two-story floor plans and are priced from the $110s to the $140s.

Rebekah Stephens has been named as the relocation coordinator for the Relocation Department of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Builder takes environmental health, savings to new level

By Kathy Van Mullekom
Daily Press (Newport News, Va.)